Sony Sues Lik-Sang Over PSP Sales

Sony has made no secret of the fact that it is not happy with retailers selling its PlayStation Portable to consumers in markets where the device has yet to launch. And on Monday, the company filed suit against Hong Kong based Lik-Sang.com for shipping the PSP to customers in the United Kingdom.

Lik-Sang has proven a popular online store for impatient gamers. The PSP won't launch in the UK until September 1, but customers can order the Japanese version of the portable gaming console for less than the price set by Sony for the PSP's European launch.

"Lik-Sang's sales are an unlawful interference with Sony's economic interests," Sony wrote in its legal correspondence, claiming Lik-Sang advertised the PSP in a "dishonest manner."

Representatives of Lik-Sang say they were surprised by the lawsuit, and believe they are well within the laws of Hong Kong to sell the PSP anywhere in the world.

"Sony wants to completely cut hardcore gamers away from items released in Japan or anywhere else outside their own country," said Pascal Clarysse, Marketing Manager for Lik-Sang. "A very active part of the gaming community has been enjoying Japanese gaming culture for over two decades, and that's what the Empire is now willing to destroy."

Sony is additionally suing Lik-Sang for copyright infringement following the retailer's posting of the PSP manual in early June. The company is asking a court to prohibit Lik-Sang from selling the console, games and accessories to customers in the UK and the European Economic Area (EEA).

Lik-Sang intends to fight the charges and will continue selling Sony's PSP in the UK and elsewhere.